Paperwork Required When Buying a Car in Missouri

When buying a car in Missouri, you must obtain certain documents from the seller in order to register and apply for a title in your name. The documents that you need include the bill of sale and vehicle title. You will use these documents to register and title the car you have purchased with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). If you buy a car from a vehicle dealer, they will handle required paperwork for vehicle registration and titling for you. However, if you buy from a private seller, you will need to obtain certain paperwork from the seller in order to register the vehicle in your name. Continue reading this article to get more information about the paperwork required when buying a car in Missouri.

Paperwork for Missouri Car Buyers

To register and title your newly purchased car, you must obtain certain documents from the seller. The documents you need include:

A Missouri Bill of Sale (Form 1957) if there is no price information on the title.

A Notice of Sale or Transfer (Form 5049).

Vehicle Inspections

If you purchase a used car, you must take it for inspection 60 days before registering it. In order to register a car, you will need:

A safety inspection.

An emission inspection if you live in Franklin County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, Jefferson County or St. Louis County.

VIN/odometer inspection if the vehicle was purchased from out-of-state.

Title Transfer and Vehicle Registration

You must title, register and pay applicable taxes within 30 days from the date of purchase. Registration is required to drive the car legally. If you fail to register and title the car within this period, you will face a $25 penalty in each additional 30 days, up to $200. You will need to go in person to a nearest Missouri DOR office to register your car. You will need:

A completed Form DOR-108 (Application for Missouri Title and License).

You can transfer license plates from your old vehicle to your newly purchased vehicle.

Temporary Permit

Immediately after purchasing a car, you may decide to apply for a temporary permit in order to legally drive the car before actual registration. A temporary permit is valid for 30 days from the date of vehicle purchase. To apply for one you will need:

Proof of car insurance.

The vehicle title.

A safety inspection certificate dated within the last 60 days.

$5 Permit fee and additional $3.50 processing fee.

Vehicle Fraud in Missouri

Vehicle fraud in Missouri can come in form of forged documents, odometer tampering and misleading information. If you suspect or become a victim of any fraud, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Missouri or the DOR to have the issue investigated.

Vehicle History Reports

A vehicle history report is not needed when registering or titling a car in your name. However, this document is needed when purchasing a car. From this report, you can get detailed information about the vehicle that you are buying, such as damage history, accident history and odometer reading.

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